Aoki didn't have to wait too long.
Giovanni put the report in his hand down after reading it. He looked at Aoki, a smile appearing at the corner of his mouth. "Yes, your growth rate has indeed exceeded my expectations. I originally thought that it would take you at least another year, but I didn't expect that you have reached the Champion level now," Giovanni said.
"Thank you for the complint, Boss," Aoki stood up and said respectfully. Giovanni waved his hand, motioning Aoki to sit down.
"Since you have reached the Champion level, according to my promise to you, from now on, you will be fully responsible for all matters concerning Team Rocket in the Hoenn region. All personnel transfers and tasks entering Hoenn must be reviewed by you before they can be carried out. In addition, the appointnt of the captain and other mbers of your Sky Hunters branch in Hoenn can also be finalized by you."
Giovanni spoke at length, the main aning being that Aoki was now a high-ranking officer of Team Rocket with full authority over the Hoenn region. Though there wasn't much happening in Hoenn currently, and Aoki was already overseeing operations there, his official status and authority were now legitimate.
"Thank you, Boss," Aoki said respectfully again. Whether one was an officer or not, in Team Rocket, strength was what truly mattered. This promotion would at least an fewer annoying obstacles in his work.
However, this was clearly not the main purpose of Giovanni summoning Aoki. "Please take a look at this report," Giovanni said, handing the docunt he'd been reading to Aoki.
Aoki took it and began reading. "w Genetic Research Report by Dr. Fuji" - seeing the title and signature made Aoki pause briefly before continuing. The w gene was the primary reason Giovanni had decided to cut down Team Rocket's operations. As far as Aoki knew, Dr. Fuji was leading the w genetic research that would eventually create wtwo. That Giovanni was showing him such a sensitive research report was significant.
As Aoki read further, his brow furrowed. "The w genes demonstrate high mutual repulsion, with estimated replication success probability of 0.07%?" Aoki murmured upon reaching the conclusion.
"Correct," Sakagi confird. "This isn't our first attempt at w gene integration, and the results remain consistent. It's as if the w genetic code contains so secondary encryption. Without cracking this, successful replication is impossible." His tone suggested this wasn't the first - nor likely the tenth or twentieth - such report to cross his desk.
"Then..." Aoki hesitated, uncertain how to respond.
"Keep reading," Sakagi instructed.
Aoki turned to the next page. "Regarding Genetic Modification Concepts and New Species Creation Viability - Estimated Success Probability: 11.3%."
Modifying w's genes to create new species? The success probability was significantly higher, though still only about 10%. Had Team Rocket already abandoned cloning w in favor of genetic engineering?
"Primary candidate donor genes identified: Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno." Aoki felt a jolt of realization - he was beginning to understand why Giovanni had summoned him.
"You see the critical point now?" Giovanni asked. When Aoki nodded, the Team Rocket leader stood and walked to the window overlooking the underground w Genetics Laboratory.
"We've long maintained intelligence on the Legendary Birds and their habitats. Since modifying the w geno requires compatible donor genes - the more powerful the Pokémon, the better - we have a critical mission requiring your participation: capturing the three Legendary Birds." Giovanni's expression showed absolute determination. Even if they couldn't replicate w, they would create a Pokémon surpassing it. For Team Rocket, nothing was impossible.
The three Legendary Birds? Aoki doubted these would be the authentic ones. Regardless, at his current strength level, direct participation seed unrealistic.
As if reading his thoughts, Sakagi smiled. "Don't worry - you won't bear primary responsibility. Dark and Shadow will lead this operation; your role is auxiliary support."
Aoki could accept a supporting role. But...
"However," Giovanni continued, "there will be... other participants. Prepare accordingly." His gaze held unspoken aning that Aoki noted carefully.
Handing Aoki an officer's badge, Giovanni concluded: "You'll report directly to . Shadow and Dark have mission details - they're commanding this operation. As an officer's benefit, you now have access to 200 million Pokécoins from Team Rocket's exchange network. I'm granting an additional 200 million temporarily, giving you 400 million total. Acquire whatever preparations you need before mission comncent. I expect satisfactory results."
As Giovanni returned to his work, Aoki respectfully bowed and departed. The financial allocation was an unexpected boon - Team Rocket's exchange network offered resources even the Pokémon League couldn't provide, including many prohibited items. With 400 million Pokécoins, he could make significant upgrades.
After leaving the office, Aoki pinned the officer's badge to his chest. Now nearly every area of Team Rocket's base was accessible to him. Passing Team Rocket grunts in the corridors imdiately pressed themselves against walls, saluting sharply when they saw his badge. Who he was didn't matter - Team Rocket's hierarchy demanded absolute respect for officers from lower ranks. To do otherwise risked severe consequences from less tolerant superiors.
Reaching officer rank represented the dream of every Team Rocket mber - the privileged elite who commanded both respect and fear throughout the organization.
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